The Portuguese is an uncommon opening.In contrast to the Ruy Lopez (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc5), by delaying Nf3 White leaves the f-pawn free to move and retains the possibility of playing d3 and f4.The tradeoff is that White´s lack of pressure on e5 leaves Black with a freer hand.

If Black replies 2...Nf6, White can try a gambit with 3.d4.Another Black reply is 2...Nc6, possibly hoping White will transpose into the Ruy Lopez with 3.Nf3, but a more popular try is to kick White´s bishop with 2...c6.The game might continue 3.Ba4 Nf6 and now White can play 4.Nc3 or 4.Qe2.